The West Somerset Railway on the Web

"Anything Goes" Weekend 11,12 May 2002

What to expect...

The weekend will feature a busy TIMETABLE, worked by steam and diesel locomotives and the diesel multiple unit. The idea behind "Anything Goes" is that if it is capable of turning a wheel under its own power it is likely to used in some way! The key to the weekend is variety...

Highlights
  • Brand new event for 2002
  • Plenty of West Country railway atmosphere
  • At least four steam engines and four heritage diesel locomotives in action and working trains, and a diesel multiple unit
  • Possible debut appearance of a ‘new’ GWR 55xx ‘Small Prairie’ 2-6-2T
  • Ex-Western Region diesel hydraulics in action
  • Intensive TIMETABLE, including TOP n TAIL workings between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren
  • FISH & CHIP SPECIAL on the Saturday evening
  • Bar & Buffet car facilities on all trains
  • Day & Weekend Rover tickets available
  • Museums open at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor
  • Gift shops, refreshments, free parking at Bishops Lydeard
  • Bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard
  • Lots of photographic opportunities
  • All-in-all, a superb value-for-money day out for all the family

Note: all highlights subject to availability

4160
Engines
  • Steam
    • GWR 4-6-0 no 7820 "Dinmore Manor"
    • GWR 4-6-0 no 7828 "Odney Manor"
    • BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160
    • BR Class 4MT 2-6-4T no 80136
    • and possibly a GWR ‘Small Prairie’ 55xx 2-6-2T but no promises - watch this space!
  • Diesel
    • 'Western' no D1010 "Western Campaigner"
    • ‘Hymek’ no D7017
    • Class 25 No D7523
    • Class 33 No 6566
Note: all engines subject to availability

D1010

Timetables

A comprehensive TIMETABLE will be in operation on all three days of the Gala.

Trains leave Bishops Lydeard for the twenty mile run to the seaside at Minehead at 9.40, 10.25, 11.10, 11.50, 12.45, 1.50, 2.25, 3.15, 4.10 and 4.55. The last train leaves Minehead for Bishops Lydeard at 5.45.

A complete working timetable - which will include full details of all train workings and the locomotive and coaching set diagrams - will be available approximately seven days in advance of the event from Minehead Station, priced £2 (please include a SAE if requesting by post).

The Fish and Chip Special

In addition to the services printed in the main timetable, on Saturday 11 May there will be a "Fish & Chip" Special, hauled by a heritage diesel locomotive. This train departs from Bishops Lydeard at 7.00pm. The cost, which includes the train fare and food - served on the outward journey to Minehead - is £10 (Adult & Senior Citizen) and £5 (Child). Arrival back at Bishops Lydeard is scheduled for 10.30pm. Please note that Rover Tickets are NOT valid on this train, and pre-booking is esential - please contact Minehead Station on 01643 704996.

The "Norton Shuttle"

The rails on the less-used three mile section from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren, where the West Somerset Railway meets the main network, will resound to the passage of trains during the "Anything Goes" Weekend. On both days, during the morning, the Diesel Multiple Unit will do the honours, whilst the afternoon service will be provided by a train "top and tailed" by two heritage diesel locomotives. A great chance to travel on the "Norton" section...

Tickets

The best way to make the most of the experience is to use a Rover Ticket which gives the freedom of the line. A one-day Family Rover (two adults and two children) costs £26, whilst a two-day Adult Rover costs £17.90, and a one-day Adult Rover costs £10.50. All the other fare options are available - it is entirely up to you!

Taunton-Bishops Lydeard-Taunton connecting bus services

First Southern National On days, there is a frequent First Southern National bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station (Service 28A on Saturday, and Service 928 on Sunday) with extra services over the Gala weekend. WSR tickets are not valid on these services, except return tickets to Taunton issued by Booking Offices at Minehead, Dunster, Blue Anchor, Watchet and Williton.
Full timetable details available direct from First Southern National, ring 01823 272033.

How to book your Rover Tickets

You can book Rover Tickets in advance in the following ways:-

  • By telephone, using your Credit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.
  • By completing and sending the BOOKING FORM
  • In person at Minehead Station (9am-4pm, Monday-Friday).

Of course, a wide range of tickets will be available on the day...